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Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Grilled chicken with homemade teriyaki sauce - a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in this classic Japanese dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

For Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sake
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For Serving:

  • Steamed Japanese rice
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Make Teriyaki Sauce

    Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

  2. Prepare Chicken

    Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  3. Cook Chicken

    Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).

  4. Add Sauce

    Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning chicken to coat evenly with the glaze.

  5. Rest and Slice

    Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice chicken into strips against the grain.

  6. Serve

    Serve over steamed rice with vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Drizzle with remaining sauce.

Chef's Tips

Sauce Consistency

The teriyaki sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Don't over-reduce or it will become too thick and sticky.

Chicken Choice

Thighs stay more tender and juicy than breasts. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Glazing Technique

Add the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning while still achieving a beautiful glaze.